Method, system and apparatus for covering a foot or feet

ABSTRACT

A foot cover having an upper surface and a lower surface, and including a protective layer, disposed between the upper surface of the foot cover and the lower surface of the foot cover, and sized to cover the bottom of a foot, and an adhesive layer disposed on the upper surface of the foot cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED ED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/700,598, filed Sep. 13, 2012 and entitled METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR COVERING A FOOT OR FEET, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

As is common in modern airports and other similar locations, security checkpoints often have people separate various portions of their baggage, such as computers, from other portions of their luggage while also having passengers remove excess clothing, such as coats and shoes. With respect to most clothing, there is not a significant concern from passengers. However, the removal of shoes or footwear typically results in the passenger walking barefoot or just in a pair of socks through the security checkpoint or screening area. Walking barefoot or just with socks through such an area can result in the passengers putting their feet in unsanitary locations or positions and may result in direct skin contact with viruses, bacteria and the like. Additionally, the removal of the shoes can dirty or destroy socks or other footwear worn under shoes, or may dirty or injure the feet of a passenger.

SUMMARY

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a foot cover is disclosed. The foot cover can include an upper surface and a lower surface. The foot cover can further include a protective layer, disposed between the upper surface of the foot cover and the lower surface of the foot cover, and sized to cover the bottom of a foot. The foot cover can also include and an adhesive layer disposed on the upper surface of the foot cover. The foot cover can further include a comfort layer, and a strengthening layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 a is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a foot cover.

FIG. 1 b is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a foot cover.

FIG. 2 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a foot cover.

FIGS. 3 a-3 d are cross sectional views of exemplary embodiments of foot covers.

FIG. 4 a-4 c show further exemplary embodiments of a foot covers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

Generally referring to the Figures, and in one exemplary embodiment, a prophylactic foot cover 100 may be shown and described. The foot cover 100 may be formed in any of a variety of materials and may be sized so as to fit comfortably and properly over any sized foot of a wearer, or may be formed in a one size fits all fashion. Additionally, the cover can include any of a variety of features, such as, but not limited to, a protective layer, an adhesive layer, a cushion layer, a stiffening layer and the like.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a foot cover may be formed out of any desired material or combination of materials. For example, the foot cover may be include any of a variety of textiles, foil, plastic, plastic film, stretchable fabrics, shape-contouring fabrics, rubber, foam, latex and the like. Additionally, the foot cover may be formed in any shape or size, and may be worn in any of a variety of manners. For example, a foot cover could be such that it covers the entirety of the bottom of a foot.

In a further exemplary embodiment, foot cover 100 may include one or more impermeable or protective layers 102. The protective layers may be formed of any material, for example plastic, foil, and the like and may be formed separately or in conjunction with any other layer of the foot cover. Such a layer may prevent any liquid, bacteria, germ, dirt or any other material from permeating the foot cover. In other words, the protective layer 102 may act as so as to prevent any undesired materials or substances from penetrating the foot cover and coming in contact with the wearer's foot.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the foot cover may be held substantially in place by an adhesive layer 104 disposed on top of the uppermost layer of the foot cover. Adhesive layer 104 can serve to maintain foot cover 100 coupled to the foot of a wearer. Adhesive layer 104 may have any desired shape, and may include a single adhesive area or a plurality of adhesive areas disposed on suitable locations for adhering to the foot of the wearer.

Furthermore, a release layer 106 may be disposed over adhesive layer 104. The release layer 106 may serve to protect adhesive layer 104 prior to use. Release layer 106 may then be removed, exposing the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer 104 may then be adhesively coupled to the foot of a wearer or some other form of footwear, such as, but not limited to a sock or nylons, to substantially cover and protect the bottom of a foot of a wearer.

In further exemplary embodiments, foot cover 100 may be such that it further covers an outside or top portion of a foot of a wearer as well as the toes of a wearer. To that end, foot cover 100 can include a plurality of tabs 108, allowing the wearer to fold the tabs 108 so as to form the foot cover over any desired portions of their foot, such as up and around a heel, over toes or over any central portion of the foot so as to provide a desired level of wearability, protection and comfort. Furthermore, tabs 108 may include an adhesive layer 104. This can allow the wearer to adhere tabs 108 to any desired portions of their foot, or to other tabs 108, so as to form foot cover 100 around the foot.

In still a further exemplary embodiment, the foot cover may be formed with any other desired layers. For example a gripping layer 110 may be disposed on the bottom of the lowermost layer of foot cover 100. Gripping layer 110 can include a gripping or tacky surface, or may be otherwise formed so as to provide traction or grip. For example, one or more strips of rubber, or the like, may be disposed on the bottom portion of the foot cover. Alternatively, the bottom of the foot cover may be such that it has a bottom layer formed entirely of a rubber or other gripping material. In some embodiments, such a bottom layer may be impermeable or provide other prophylactic qualities.

In further exemplary embodiments, one or more comfort layers 112 may be disposed between a bottom layer and a top layer. For example a textile or foam layer could be provided so as to provide comfort for a wearer. Such a layer may be formed in any desired manner and using any desired material. Comfort layer 112 can, in some exemplary embodiments, be a top layer that directly contacts a foot of a wearer, as well.

In still further exemplary embodiments, one or more rigid, strengthening, form-providing layers or members 114 may be disposed on the foot cover. For example, one or more plastic (or any other material) ribs may be formed into bottom or side portions of the foot cover. Such layers or members may provide the foot cover with strength against deformation, a more desired fit when formed in different sizes for different size feet, or further protection from contact with the ground or any walking surface.

In still other exemplary embodiments, any of the previously described layers may be formed substantially as a single layer.

In still other exemplary embodiments, the foot cover can be formed in any other desired shapes. For example, the foot cover could be formed similar to a slipper whereby the bottom of a foot and the entirety of the toes and part of a top portion of a foot may be covered. To that end, the foot cover may include a rim 116. Rim 116 can be formed such that the top edge of rim 116 has a smaller perimeter than the perimeter of protective layer 102. Rim NNN can thus enclose a portion of the foot of the wearer, providing additional protection to the foot, as well as supporting foot cover 100 on the wearer's foot. Rim 116 may be formed from any desired material, may be formed integrally with protective layer 102, or may be coupled to protective layer 102 in any desired manner. Such an exemplary embodiment may include or not include an adhesive layer 104 or an adhesive, a structure or strengthening layer 114 or members or any other desired layer.

In another exemplary embodiment, foot cover 100 could be formed so as to cover the toes of the wearer. In such an exemplary embodiment, foot cover 100 can include a toe cover portion 118. Toe cover 118 may be formed from any desired material, may be formed integrally with protective layer 102, or may be coupled to protective layer 102 in any desired manner.

In still other exemplary embodiments, a foot cover 100 may be formed such that it fits over the entirety of a foot. To that end, foot cover 100 can include an upper portion 120. As in other exemplary embodiments, any desired layers and materials may be utilized for upper portion 120, and the upper portion may be formed integrally with, or may be coupled to, protective layer 102. Further, in this, or other embodiments, the foot cover may utilize a form fitting fabric, such as Lycra® or nylon, that allow it to be pulled over the foot of a wearer and may substantially grip or form to the foot so as to provide a secure and comfortable fit of foot cover 100 to the foot of the wearer. Alternatively, foot cover 100 may include an elastic portion that can expand to allow for a fitting of the foot cover over the foot of a wearer and then may substantially retract to provide a secure fit around the top of the foot of the wearer or around the ankle of the wearer. Alternatively, the foot cover can utilize a draw string 122 or the like, formed in the upper portion 120 of foot cover 100, which may allow a user to tie or otherwise tighten and provide a secure fit of the foot cover over the foot of a wearer.

In still a further exemplary embodiment, foot cover 100 may include a tab or pull at a front or rear portion, or any other desired location. For example, a tab 124 may be located at a back portion of any of the embodiments described above. Thus, when a wearer of the foot cover no longer desires to wear the foot cover, they may grasp tab 124 and use the tab to securely remove the foot cover from their foot. Such a tab may allow for a wearer to remove the foot cover without touching a bottom portion of the foot cover, which may be unsanitary. Additionally, the user may then hold tab 124 to either dispose of the foot cover or otherwise put the foot cover in a desired location.

In still other exemplary embodiments, it may be appreciated that further layers or features may be added to the foot cover. Further, the foot cover may be formed in any shape or color, and may have any materials or imagery affixed to an outside portion of the foot cover.

In some exemplary embodiments, it is envisioned that the foot cover can be utilized in any of a variety of situations where desired. For example at security screening areas or checkpoints where shoes may have to be removed in order for a person to be admitted to a secure area. The foot cover could further be used in hotel rooms or other locations where a wearer may not be comfortable with the ground surface. Still other exemplary embodiments of the foot cover could be utilized in outdoor environments or any other environments where a wearer may desire to protect their feet from ground or surface contact. Additionally, the foot covers may be packaged in any desired manner, for example two packaged together, so as to allow for easy access and wearing.

In yet some other exemplary embodiments, the foot cover may be worn at any time. For example, as the foot cover could be formed as a substantially thin membrane or cover, a wearer could put it over their foot and then comfortably wear it under a shoe. Due to its adhesive or other fitted qualities, the foot cover may remain substantially in place on the foot of a wearer when any type of shoe is removed from the foot of the wearer. Thus, if a wearer needs or desires to remove a shoe and walk on a surface, they may have further protection from their feet coming directly in contact with the ground or other surface.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A foot cover having an upper surface and a lower surface, comprising: a protective layer, disposed between the upper surface of the foot cover and the lower surface of the foot cover, and sized to cover the bottom of a foot; and an adhesive layer disposed on the upper surface of the foot cover.
 2. The foot cover of claim 1, further comprising a gripping layer disposed on the bottom surface of the foot cover.
 3. The foot cover of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of foldable tabs disposed at the periphery of the foot cover.
 4. The foot cover of claim 3, further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on a surface of each tab of the plurality of tabs.
 5. The foot cover of claim 1, further comprising a comfort layer disposed between the upper surface of the foot cover and the lower surface of the foot cover.
 6. The foot cover of claim 1, further comprising at least one strengthening member disposed on the foot cover.
 7. The foot cover of claim 1, further comprising a rim disposed around the periphery of the foot cover.
 8. The foot cover of claim 1, further comprising a toe cover portion.
 9. The foot cover of claim 1, further comprising an upper portion sized to cover the upper surface of a foot.
 10. The foot cover of claim 9, further comprising a drawstring disposed in the upper portion.
 11. The foot cover of claim 1, further comprising a pull tab disposed at an edge of the foot cover. 